Saudi will undergo thumb operation, decision on playing in World Cup next week – Dainik Savera Times

Auckland: New Zealand’s experienced fast bowler Tim Southee will undergo an operation on his right thumb on Thursday and the decision regarding his playing in the World Cup to be held in India will be taken next week. Saudi had injured his right thumb while attempting a catch in the fourth ODI against England last week.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is hopeful that the 34-year-old bowler will recover before the World Cup starting on October 5. He said, “We decided that it would be right for Saudi to get the operation done.” Pins or screws will be placed in his right thumb and if the procedure is successful then it will be necessary to ensure whether he can tolerate the pain upon returning.

Before the opening match of the World Cup against defending champions England, the New Zealand team will play practice matches against Pakistan and South Africa on September 29 and October 2. Stead said, “Our first match in the World Cup is against England on October 5 and we have made this our target regarding his availability in the team. Any team can make changes in its 15-member squad selected for the World Cup till 28 September.

After this, any kind of change will have to be approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Five players of the New Zealand team selected for the World Cup are currently on a tour of Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series. The first match of this series will be played on Thursday. Other New Zealand players will leave for India on Tuesday.